How do you keep Laidley dry?

The town was one of the hardest hit by Australia Day floods this year, two years after floodwaters inundated the town in 2011.

"Our flood studies are quite advanced," says mayor Steve Jones, "however we have had to revisit those studies numerous times given what happened on Australia day this year."

Improving drainage, levy banks, and retention basins have all been considered by authorities.

"There's no one option that will fit the bill...and even then we probably can't completely prevent flooding. All we can do is just reduce the impact of it."

"Even raising houses," the mayor says. "The people of Laidley have had the option of residential relocation to Grantham. We may even consider whether we need one of those [relocation schemes] in Laidley."

A community meeting was held in town to discuss options this week.

Local business owner, and farmer, Paul Emmerson said the mood of locals was sombre.

"I think there's some fairly frustrated and distressed people. They're concerned how their properties are getting flooded and they're looking for answers and help."

"We were given outlines of things they'll look at in broad terms. But no specific projects or tasks."

"The immediate challenge is the people in the low lying areas."

While technological advances, such as early warning systems and cameras, have been installed in the region, Emmerson believes old-fashioned community consultation shouldn't be overlooked.

"I think there's still a misunderstanding of the volume and flow of the water. Talk with people who have been around for quite a number of floods," Paul Emmerson says.